How Satellite Internet Works: Tesla and SpaceX owner Elon Musk is preparing to launch Starlink Internet service in India. It can be started in India after getting permission from the government. Satellite Internet is going to be very different from the broadband Internet commonly used at present. Let's try to understand what satellite internet is and how it works.
Starlink's Internet service is satellite-based, in which broadband towers or mobile networks are not used. Satellite Internet is a service in which satellite is used for internet connectivity. It helps in providing internet services in areas where traditional broadband or mobile networks are not available, such as remote villages, hilly areas, or sea areas.
This service requires a satellite dish and modem. When a user requests to open a website, this request is first sent from the satellite dish to the satellite. The satellite then sends this request to the Network Operation Center (NOC) located on the ground, which is connected to the Internet.
From there, the required data is collected and sent back to the user's device via the satellite. This data is received on the user's dish and then the modem decodes it and reaches the user's computer or other device.
Satellite Internet provides Internet service in areas where there is no cable or mobile tower facility. It can also be set up in places where satellite signal is available.
However, the signal takes time to reach the satellite and return, which can increase latency. Apart from this, bad weather, such as rain or snowfall, can affect the quality of the signal.
In other countries where satellite Internet is being used, it is more expensive than broadband Internet. This is because there are many costs associated with satellite Internet, such as the cost of the receiver dish. Apart from this, it also costs a lot to build satellites and send them into space. This cost is passed on to the consumer.
According to the information, the price of Starling in the US is $110 per month, while $599 has to be paid once for the hardware. If we talk about India, its price is estimated to be Rs 7000-8000. Also, installation charges may have to be paid separately. Starlink offers different plans for commercial and personal use, which can attract users.